Capability

From Erights

Definition

A capability is a token that identifies an object and provides its holder with the permission to operate on the object it identifies. Capabilities must either be totally unforgeable or infeasible to forge.

Examples

Some examples of unforgeable capabilities:

Designations of objects in E. Those who hold these capabilities have the permission to invoke any method supported by the designated object.

Designations of functions and procedures in Emily. Those who hold these capabilities have the permission to call designated functions or procedures.

Some examples of capabilities that are infeasible to forge:

Designations of remote objects in E, such as captp://*orwqphzlugjwqj2wozz7tmg47ime466j@74.125.87.147:55189/oa6vn5whhapylswhzesdlqh5ppmjkcrq. Those who hold these capabilities have the permission to invoke any method supported by the designated object.